Setting the Goal
The path to God is only illuminated when a person recognizes the central place of God in his life and strives to develop his self accordingly. The Messenger of God said :
If someone wants to know what position he enjoys in the eyes of God, he has only to look at what place he gives to God [ in his heart and life ]. ( Hakim )
The term nearest in meaning to self development in the Qur' anic vocabulary is : tazkiyah. Tazkiyah means purification and refers to the cleansing of the human self from all that is unwholesome, undesirable and unwelcome.
It also refers to the nurturing and strengthening of all the qualities within the human self that are essential for growth and development, for blossoming and flowering.
Sucess and happiness in this world and the Hereafter depend on tazkiyah, the purification and nurturing of our personality. The Qur' an states that true success is only reserved for those who seek to purify themselves:
The path to paradise is paved for those who seek God's pleasure in their life. Picture © Microsoft.com
[Successful indeed is the one who purifies his whole self.] (Ash-Shams 91:9)
Know, however, that attaining the pleasure of Allah takes precedence over seeking Paradisebut the two are closely connected. Paradise can only be attained through seeking Allah's pleasure, and when Allah's pleasure is gained, we will indeed be granted Paradise.
[And there is a kind of person who would willingly give up personal interests, seeking Allah’s pleasure; and God is Most Compassionate towards His servants.] (Al-Baqarah 2:207)
[You will only be rewarded fully for all your good deeds on the Day of Resurrection, and [on that Day] whoever will be drawn away from Hell-fire, and admitted into Paradise, will indeed have triumphed.] (Al-`Imran 3:185)
[And surely Paradise – it is the goal.] (Al-Nazi`at 79:41)
[Indeed the Next abode – it is truly the life!] (Al-`Ankabut 29:64)
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